Argentina & Chile Multisport

Looking for some restorative downtime kicking back in the Southern Cone? Then this 20-day active adventure is absolutely NOTFORYOU! Imagine almost three weeks packed with every activity you can think of and then some! Trek through perfectly picturesque Patagonia, wake up early for whitewater rafting, hike through crisp mountain landscapes on Torres del Paine’s renowned W Trek, and bike, raft, and smile to your heart’s content. Your adrenaline reserves will be tapped by the end of it all.

Enjoy a wine tasting as you cycle through Mendoza’s wineries, Take a thrilling whitewater rafting ride, Marvel at Mt Fitz Roy and Perito Moreno Glacier, Hike the famous W Trek, Let loose in bustling Buenos Aires

Dossier Disclaimer

The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.

VERYIMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.

Itinerary Disclaimer

While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.

Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.

Important Notes

Please note altitude sickness is not a concern on this trek, the W Trek is under 1000m (3000 ft.

Group Size Notes

Max 16, avg 12

Meals Included

18 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 3 dinners

Transport

Boat, plane, local bus, private vehicle, hiking

Solo Travellers

We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.

Officially the airport is called Ministro Pistarini International Airport, but it is commonly referred to as Ezeiza. It is situated 35 km (22 miles) from the city, about 40 minutes in a taxi. A taxi to the centre cost approximately $45 USD and can be arranged from the official counter inside the Arrivals area.

There is also a bus company that can take you to the hotel of your choice in the centre of Buenos Aires. Manuel Tienda Leon is the most well known, and costs about $13 USD (80 ARS). Their counter is at the customs exit.

There are exchange facilities in the Banco de la Nacion at the airport with 1.5% commission, ATM Visa and Mastercard facilities available. There are many official places to exchange money in centre of the city.

If you have paid in advance for an arrival transfer, a G Adventures representative will be at the airport to meet you. If for any reason you are not met at the airport, please call our local support line. If you are unable to make contact for whatever reason, please make your way to the joining point hotel via taxi.

Please note that Day 1 is an arrival day and no activities have been planned for that day other then your welcome meeting in the evening, so you can arrive at any time.

A G Adventures Representative will organize a short meeting soon after arrival, during which you will meet other tour participants and receive information about general and specific aspects of the trip. A welcome note will be left for you in the hotel so you have all the necessary information regarding the meeting time. If you arrive late, s/he will leave you a message detailing what time and where you should meet the next morning.

Emergency Contact

Should you need to contact us during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call either the G Adventures Local Representative (if one is listed below) or our G Adventures Local Office. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible.

AIRPORTTRANSFER
If you have purchased an arrival through G Adventures or if an arrival transfer is included in the cost of your tour, please note that:

Your arrival transfer has been arranged based on flight information provided to us. If you are advised of a flight schedule change within 48 hours of your scheduled arrival time, we will do our best to rearrange your arrival transfer however we cannot guarantee this. If your arrival transfer does not arrive within 30 minutes after you have exited the arrivals area please take a taxi to your start point hotel.

Note: The best clothing for trekking is either wool or synthetic materials in layers, as this is quick-drying and can keep heat in better. We suggest a base-layer, then a mid-layer such as a light fleece jacket or similar, then a windproof and waterproof layer.

Visas and Entry Requirements

All countries require a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months validity). Contact your local embassy, or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent. IT’S YOURRESPONSIBILITY TO HAVETHECORRECTTRAVELDOCUMENTATION.

Spending Money

Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.

Optional Activities

Please see the itinerary for information on optional activities and estimated pricing.

Safety and Security

Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government’s advice for their latest travel information before departure. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers’ cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewelery at home – you won’t need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. When travelling on a group trip, please note that your group leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it deemed necessary, due to safety concerns. Your Chief Experience Officer (CEO) will accompany you on all included activities. During your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy and explore at your leisure. While your CEO will assist you with options available in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your itinerary, and we offer no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Although the cities visited on tour are generally safe during the day, there can be risks to wandering throughout any major city at night. It is our recommendation to stay in small groups and to take taxis to and from restaurants, or during night time excursions.

Water based activities have an element of danger and excitement built into them. We recommend only participating in water based activities when accompanied by a guide(s). We make every reasonable effort to ensure the fun and adventurous element of any water based activities (in countries with varying degrees of operating standards), have a balanced approach to safety. It is our policy not to allow our CEOs to make arrangements on your behalf for water based activities that are not accompanied by guide(s).

Swimming, including snorkeling, is always at your own risk. Read more about travel safety for ways to further enhance your personal safety while traveling.

A Couple of Rules

Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our group leader has the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they use prostitutes.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation. A minimum coverage of USD200,000 is required. G Adventures can provide you with the appropriate coverage. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Some tours include adventure activities that require extra coverage (e.g. crampon use); please review your itinerary and make sure that you are covered for all included activities. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.

Planeterra-The G Adventures Foundation

The Planeterra Foundation planeterra.org is a Canadian non-profit organization that helps empower local people to develop their communities, conserve their cultures, and create humane and supportive systems for their endeavours. Planeterra provides capacity building and catalyst grants to get community social enterprises off the ground. These businesses address local challenges by providing benefits for indigenous people, empowering marginalized women, and granting disadvantaged youth access to education, employment, and brighter futures. Planeterra also works to ensure these businesses have a thriving customer base by integrating programs into G Adventures’ itineraries globally.

G Adventures is Planeterra’s largest corporate donor, covering all operating costs so 100% of your donation will bring opportunity to people in need.

Dollar-a-Day Program
G Adventures’ Dollar-a-Day Program provides travellers with the opportunity to give back to the people and places visited on our tours by donating one dollar for every day you are on trip. 100% of these donations go directly to support community development projects worldwide that are implemented by Planeterra.

Newsletter

Our adventure travel e-newsletter is full of travel news, trip information, interesting stories and contests. To avoid missing out on special offers and updates from G Adventures, subscribe at www.gadventures.com/newsletters/

Stay current on how our company invests in our global community through our foundation – Planeterra. Sign up for Planeterra’s monthly news to learn more about how to give back and support the people and places we love to visit.

Minimum Age

You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.

International Flights

Check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.

PRODUCT_LINE: SAHB, ID: 24540

Terms, conditions and restrictions apply; pricing, availability, and other details subject to change and/ or apply to US or Canadian residents. Please confirm details and booking information with your travel advisor.

Itinerary

Day 1 Buenos Aires

Arrive at any time.

Additional Notes:
Pre nights are recommended to fully enjoy this vibrant city and take part in the optional activities available.

Included Activities:
Arrival Day and Welcome Meeting

Day 2 Buenos Aires/Mendoza (1B)

The impressive snow-capped Aconcagua looms in the background of this laid-back city, drawing adventure seekers and wine enthusiasts alike. Famed worldwide for the high quality wine produced in this region, Mendoza makes the perfect base to discover wine country. Enjoy the slow pace of this desert town with large parks, charming plazas, and lively evenings where locals mill about outside the many cafés, bars and restaurants on offer on Avenida Arístides.

Transport:
Plane (2.00 hour(s))

Day 3 Mendoza (1B, 1L)

Head out early and drive into the mountains; trek to Cerro Arenales and Cerro Lomas Blancas in Cordón del Plata for beautiful views of the Andes.

Included Activities:
Cordón del Plata Hike

Day 4 Mendoza (1B)

Spend the day cycling through vineyards and stop at wineries en route to sample the world-famous Malbec. In the evening, take an overnight bus to Bariloche.

Included Activities:
Mendoza Cycling Wine Tour

Transport:
Overnight bus (19.00 hour(s))

Day 5 San Carlos de Bariloche (1B)

Towering snow-capped peaks surround Lake Nahuel Huapi, creating the perfect photo at every turn, it’s hard to deny that Bariloche is a photographer’s paradise. There is plenty to see and do no matter the season. Winter draws skiers and snowboarders from near and far to carve through the excellent snow cover. In summer, hikers and mountain bikers abound taking advantage of the many trails to explore in the area. If that’s not enough, Bariloche is Argentina’s chocolate capital offering chocolate of all kinds to delight the senses.

Day 6 San Carlos de Bariloche (1B, 1L)

Depart early in the morning for whitewater rafting on Class III/IV rapids. Enjoy the thrilling ride and navigate down the river to the Chilean border. En route stop for a traditional barbecue lunch before returning to Bariloche.

Included Activities:
Bariloche Rafting

Day 7 San Carlos de Bariloche (1B, 1L)

Enjoy a free day in Bariloche to take advantage of the optional activities in this picturesque town.

Day 8 San Carlos de Bariloche/El Chaltén (1B)

Fly to El Calafate and continue by bus to El Chaltén and Glacier National Park. En route, marvel at the towering Andean mountains.

Transport:
Plane (1.75-2.00 hours)
Local bus (3.00-3.50 hours)

Day 9 El Chaltén (1B)

Jump into a raft and enjoy the ride through Glacier National Park. Watch the mountains fade into the distance and paddle down Class III rapids.

Included Activities:
El Chaltén Rafting

Day 10 El Chaltén (1B)

Laguna de los Tres is the most popular trek in El Chaltén and for good reason. On a clear day, the view of Cerro Fitz Roy and the sparking teal lake below are spectacular. The gradual start to the trek provides time to appreciate the stunning landscape and ease into the challenging trekking ahead. Although the 400m (1,312 ft) incline to reach the lake is taxing, the reward is well worth the effort.

Included Activities:
Glacier National Park Guided Hike

Day 11 El Chaltén/El Calafate (1B)

Explore one of El Chaltén’s many trekking routes. Opt to explore the Laguna Torre trail to spot the dramatic Cerro Torre, hike to Laguna Capri or head up to the Condor Mirador to enjoy great views of the town. Afterwards, head to the quaint little town of El
Calafate, and opt for a hearty dinner to refuel.

Transport:
Local bus (3.00-3.50 hours, 152km)

Day 12 El Calafate (1B)

Argentino Lake, discovered in 1873, is the southernmost of the four water sheets produced by the Pleistocene Glaciation. With its fjords and fingers it covers 1,505km² (935 mi²), and is considered one of the most breathtaking lakes in the world.

The Perito Moreno Glacier is an imposing river of ice, 2.7km (1.7 mi) wide by 55m (180 ft) high, which descends from the continental ice field to the Canal de los Tempanos.

Included Activities:
Perito Moreno Glacier Tour

Day 13 El Calafate (1B)

Home to the immense Perito Moreno Glacier, the quaint alpine town of El Calafate is the perfect base for exploring the nearby glaciers. Los Glaciares National Park, the most renowned in Argentina, was created in 1973 to preserve this vast glacial area encompassing the Upsala Glacier and the incredible Onelli Bay.

The main strip of this tiny town is lined with small wooden shops, browse for souvenirs, chocolates, or stop in one of the restaurants for a rest.

Day 14 El Calafate/Puerto Natales (1B)

Once a small fishing village, Puerto Natales is now a hub of adventure enthusiasts itching to explore unforgettable Torres del Paine NP.

Get any last-minute shopping done and rent all equipment needed for the hike. Extra gear not needed for the Paine hike can be stored at the hotel.

Transport:
Local bus (5.00-6.00 hours, 362km)

Day 15 Puerto Natales/Serrano Camp (1B, 1L, 1D)

Embark on a 4-day excursion within Torres del Paine NP, hiking the famous W Trek. Start the 62km (38.5 mi) route by trekking to the base of Las Torres to see the dramatic three towers and turquoise lagoon below.

Included Activities:
W Trek – Day 1

Day 16 Serrano Camp/Paine Grande Camp (1B, 1L, 1D)

Wake up surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, enjoy a scenic drive and a picturesque ferry ride on Lake Pehoé. Hike to Grey Lake and the lookout point for Grey Glacier and admire the scale of this immense glacier.

Included Activities:
W Trek – Day 2

Transport:
Boat (0.75 hour(s))
Private Vehicle (2.00 hour(s))

Day 17 Paine Grande Camp/Cuernos Camp (1B, 1L, 1D)

Hike to the French Valley lookout and take in the awe-inspiring views of the mountain range spreading across the national park. Marvel at the dramatic, contrasting greens and greys of the landscape.

Included Activities:
W Trek – Day 3

Day 18 Cuernos Camp/Puerto Natales (1B, 1L)

Enjoy the final day of the W Trek. Wake up to the amazing views of the Cuernos del Paine (the Horns of Paine) and continue trekking to Las Torres Campsite. Finish by snapping a photo of the mountains reflecting in the Lake Nordenskjöld and enjoy the sense of accomplishment.